Founded in 1973, RE/MAX is the only major real-estate network that is owned and directed by its original founders.  The one-office operation of Dave and Gail Liniger became the world’s most successful real-estate network based on a philosophy of “Everyone Wins.”  From advanced training courses to state-of-the-art technological tools, to international referrals and commercial investment, RE/MAX is dedicated to helping its agents to succeed.  Adding in another assist for agents, the RE/MAX Satellite Network is the only satellite television network in the real-estate industry.

Dave Liniger called the company RE/MAX, short for “real estate maximums.”  The Linigers believe that to attract and retain the best agents, they must be offered maximum compensation, advanced support services, and the freedom that they need to succeed.  In contrast to most real estate offices which charge agents a 50 percent fee, RE/MAX agents pay management fees and keep their commissions.  Consequently, RE/MAX attracts some of the best professionals in the industry.

Based in Denver, RE/MAX International oversees a network of more than 119,000 agents in 70+ regions in over 60 countries.  In 1980, the company expanded into Canada, becoming the leading company for real estate in that country.  In recent years, RE/MAX has expanded into Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Mexico, New Zealand, Turkey, South America and more.

Interestingly, during the 1970s, Liniger predicted that his company would one day have 80,000 agents in the United States.  By 2003, the company included over 80,000 representatives in the world.  And all levels of employees are involved in community service.  Our projects benefit organizations such as the Children’s Miracle Network and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

RE/MAX is recognized by the home-buying and home-selling public for its logo—a red, white, and blue hot-air balloon.  We are proud to wave that hot-air balloon for you to find the best Rocky Mountain vacation property for your family.  Call Rick Allemang of RE/MAX Properties of the Summit at 970-547-1002 for information about Park and Summit County real estate to meet your family’s needs.

Breckenridge Ski Resort as featured as the No. 9 overall ski resort in the west for 2008 according to SKI Magazine’s readers’ survey.  Within the entire North American continent, Breckenridge scored No. 4 for Terrain Parks, No. 7 for Après-Ski, and No. 8 for Off-Hill Activities. 

This year SKI also addressed the common concerns about the popularity of Breckenridge, beginning with crowds:  “Breckenridge—which has been pulling in record skier visits just about every year since the dawn of the quad chair—is popular for a reason.”  The Breckenridge skiing and boarding adventures combine beautifully with its non-skiing adventure.

Let’s begin with the slopes.  The Resort is expanding its terrain and amenities to accommodate all types of skiing abilities.  But it behooves skiers to know the routes for the lifts.  Those who prefer wide open uninhabited areas need only head out to Peak 10 and “rip the expert bumps on Trinity and Quiver.”  The T-bar takes skiers to the Horseshoe Bowl. 

Take the Peak 8 SuperConnect to Chair 6 for blacks and steeps or to access the groomers and blues on Peak 7.  And Peak 7 itself is getting better every year.  Soon, a new Peak 7 base village will improve mountain access, add slope-side luxury lodging, and open up sit-down dining.  From Crystal Peak Lodge to various skier services, a ski school, ticket sales, a ski shop, and Sevens, the base village at Peak 7 will offer all of the comforts necessary to enjoy the day.

The cold can be beat by choosing warmer activities at times.  Hop on the BreckConnect Gondola to Main Street for après ski or unique culinary pleasures, spas and fireside experiences.  Stroll through downtown shops or plan to burst out on a dogsled tour tomorrow. 

And, if bottlenecks on the Interstate are a concern, travel during the weekdays.

Call Rick Allemang at 970-547-1002 for information about ski properties or real estate in the woods to meet your family’s needs.

Comparing September and October 2005 with the same months in 2008, we find the following figures for all of Summit County Colorado real estate sales:

Month                        Sales          Total Volume      Average Sale price

September 2005         445          $161,353,500          $362,592

October 2005             389          $152,693,400          $392,528

September 2008         201          $127,090,100          $643,131

October 2008             176          $118,230,800          $676,061

Prices vary greatly by area of Summit County.  The average Year-to-Date through October for our communities looks like this:  Breckenridge $758,220, Silverthorne $655,858, Frisco $496,053, Keystone $494,589, Dillon $488,509, and Wildernest $342,712.

According to PortReal Residential Market Update 4th Quarter 2008, “Resort-based metropolitan areas have suffered significantly worse than more diversified markets.”  On the other hand, our Rocky Mountain resort areas are exceptions to that statement, which is based on averages from around the nation that include Florida and California where real estate prices have fallen dramatically.  The truth is that our resort and luxury real estate has outperformed most other markets, including the median-priced home market and investment-grade market.  Our resorts continue to see land and real estate appreciation.

There is high demand for resort real estate close to the Front Range metropolitan areas.  As population continues to increase in those areas, more people will be looking to our recreational playground for vacation properties, second homes, and retirement homes.

And the opportunities for investment in multi-family and single-family homes in Summit County will allow owners to take advantage of another point that PortReal makes:  “Net rental income matches or exceeds the costs of property ownership in 88 percent of US markets.”  People who are not able to pass the credit scrutiny will still be renting both primary homes and vacation properties in the resort areas.

As people tighten their belts, many continue careful real estate investing.  It’s a way of life and livelihood.  In growing areas like ours, over time real estate investments outperform the money markets.  For information about resort real estate to enjoy for years to come, call Rick Allemang of RE/MAX Properties of the Summit at 970-547-1002.